We conclude our celebration of the octave of Christmas with this beautiful Feast of Mary, the Mother of God. In Mary, we witness the meaning of all creation; the fruit of her womb, Jesus, is the salvation of the world; Mary gives birth to our savior, and so completes the creation of the world.
At the dawn of creation, God's love is overflowing; the intimacy of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the source of all life. God's desire to have a beloved, to be in relationship with another who can return love is so deep that it erupts in the creation of a universe with billions of galaxies containing billions of solar systems containing millions of planets, none of which can freely return love to God. Our humanity is the pinnacle of creation, not because we have superior intellect, but becuase we can love God as God loves us; we are the suitable partner for God in the Garden of Eden. And Mary is the shining one among us who lives completely free and completely connected to God's spirit in every moment of her own eternal life. Mary shows us her son; Mary shows us the way to the Father.
Let us begin this new year with the right perspective. Every breath we breathe is a miracle of God's grace; every stumble is yet a movement in the glorious dance with the Father; every act of love is a participation in God's own life; every longing of our heart is holy. Let us be kind to one another; let us forgive one another; let us encourage one another; let us be partners on this journey; let us be holy; let us assist Mary in her mission of bringing Christ to the world.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.